Hi, this is my first post, I don't own a Chevy truck yet but i'm looking to purchase and older used model, in the range from the late 90's (5.7L) ...

Hi, this is my first post, I don't own a Chevy truck yet but i'm looking to purchase and older used model, in the range from the late 90's (5.7L) to early 2000's (5.3L). I was wondering which engine would be better for towing the 5.7L or the 5.3L? The 5.7L has more horsepower and torque but the 5.3L has models that come with a tow/haul mode. I was hoping to see some opinions and maybe some pros and cons for each engine. I'm set on getting a Chevy but i'm not sure which year and engine yet. I will be primarily towing my boat which is a 19ft ski boat, I doubt I will be towing anything larger

I pulled my 21 ft bass boat, with a 5.7 for years, great motor. Averaged 13 mpg pulling boat, new truck with 5.3L engine same boat I get about 16.5 mpg. With either truck, I hardly new the boat was hooked up. Let me also say 5.7 avg mpg w/o the boat best was about 15. I get about 21.7 with the 5.3L.

I've had many vehicles with the old small block, and I am a big fan of it. However, The 5.3 in my 2005 beats any of the old small blocks (stock) I have ever driven (except in some performance cars). I would go with the newer 5.3 style engine.

I used to own a 1991 3/4 Silverado that had the 5.7 in it. That truck was stolen and I ended up with my current 2003 5.3L. I would have to say that although both trucks towed great, (trailer and drag car 5900 lbs) the 5.7 pulled a little stronger. I'm sure it had to do with gearing too, my 91 had 4.10's (did I get that right gmctruckguy? ) and my 03 has 3.73's.

Since you are towing a small load and if your like most boat owners- you wont be towing it very often- i would go with the 5.3L. I think you will get better gas mileage and still have PLENTY of truck to pull that boat.

Thanks for the replies, I am leaning towards the 5.3L engine. When towing a smaller load like my boat is it necessary to have the tow/haul mode on? Does it really make that much of a difference when towing?

tow/haul mode does make a pretty big difference, i like using it (towing or not) on hills to keep the trany from shifting as much. if im towing on flat land or very slight hills i may or may not use the two/haul mode just depends on my mood.

Discuss towing and trailers and plows, or overdrive and hitch towing capacity (gvw) and tongue weight for heavy loads. This is the place for tow hitches, receivers, and trailer wiring as well as snow plowing.